WASHINGTON — In West Texas, Republican Will Hurd is getting a boost from one of the state’s best-known politicians: Gov. Rick Perry.

In a TV ad launched today, Perry praises Hurd for his background on veterans issues and nine-year stint in the CIA as an undercover officer.

"He served in the Middle East, stood brave in the face of terrorism. He knows the price of freedom," Perry asserts. "Will Hurd stands behind the people who serve America, and I know about service to our country."

The National Republican Congressional Committee launched the ad, which will run in the San Antonio media market. The spot has about $400,000 behind it, part of the $1.2 million the NRCC has reserved to prop up Hurd this fall.

In the ad, Perry heaps praise on Hurd for his service overseas in fighting terrorism. During his time in the CIA, Hurd collected intelligence in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan — technically not the Middle East.

The Gallego campaign brushed off the ad this morning, accusing Hurd of wanting to cut veterans funding and knocking Perry for his credibility.

"I'm not surprised that the guy who can't count to three thinks it's a good idea to cut 16 percent from veterans' health care benefits,” campaign manager Anthony Gutierrez said, referencing Perry’s inability to name the third federal agency he’d eliminate in a GOP debate.

Less than a month from Election Day, the West Texas race has become awash in political advertising.

After debuting a Spanish-language spot in San Antonio last week, the Gallego campaign announced today the ad will also run in El Paso's media market. The spot touts Gallego's support of public education and Latinos.